Ingredients for Cookies

Unlike cakes, which often rely on fillings and icings, cookie doughs have their own character. Much is made of nuts, grains such as oatmeal, and dried fruits such as raisins and dates. Butter is the key flavoring ingredient in plain cookies, while honey, molasses and brown sugar provide color and sweetness. Many cookies would be dull without chocolate, coffee, spices like ginger, cinnamon or nutmeg, or seeds like sesame or caraway. Occasionally baking soda or powder is used, which makes the cookie more crumbly.